When it comes to the holiday season, few things bring as much joy as baking delicious treats to share with friends and family. One standout favorite is the Christmas Crinkle Cookie—these delightful confections boast a beautiful snowy exterior, bringing a festive touch to any gathering. With their soft, chewy texture and the subtle sweetness of vanilla, these cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for your taste buds. Their vibrant colors of red and green add a cheerful flair that perfectly symbolizes the holiday spirit. Let’s dive into the world of Christmas Crinkle Cookies and explore why this recipe deserves a spot on your holiday cookie platter.
Why We Love This Christmas Crinkle Cookie Recipe
There’s something magical about the look, texture, and taste of Christmas Crinkle Cookies. As you bite into these cookies, you’ll find a soft, chewy center that contrasts beautifully with their crisp, powdered sugar exterior. This unique appearance comes courtesy of the baking process, where a simple dough transforms into an eye-catching treat that looks like it just dusted with a snowy coat.
The flavor profile is wonderfully simple yet satisfying. With just a hint of vanilla and the generous sweetness of powdered sugar, these cookies are perfect for any holiday occasion. They’re an easy treat to whip up, thanks to the use of a cake mix as the base. This means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday festivities with your loved ones. The inclusion of vibrant red and green food coloring not only makes them visually appealing but also adds a playful touch that children will adore.
Ingredients about Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Here’s what you will need to bake a batch of these delightful Christmas Crinkle Cookies:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- Red food coloring gel
- Green food coloring gel
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor of the cookies. The white cake mix serves as a convenient base, while the eggs and oil help bind the dough together, resulting in that delightful chewiness. The food coloring adds the festive pop, ensuring that your cookies stand out on any treat table.
How to Make Christmas Crinkle Cookies Directions
Creating your Christmas Crinkle Cookies is an easy and enjoyable process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, thick dough. This mixture should be easy to handle and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Divide the Dough
Once the dough is fully mixed, divide it into two equal portions. Place each half into a separate small bowl.
Step 4: Add Color
In one bowl, add the red food coloring gel, and in the other, add the green. Use a spatula or your hands to mix the color into the dough thoroughly. You want the colors to be vibrant, but feel free to adjust the amount of food coloring based on your preference.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowls with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll into balls later.
Step 6: Form the Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, take it out of the fridge. Use a tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each scoop into a ball between your hands. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a tablespoon of flour to make it easier to handle.
Step 7: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Roll each cookie ball in powdered sugar until they are fully coated. This sugar coating gives the cookies their distinctive crinkle appearance after baking.
Step 8: Bake
Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, keeping enough space between them to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for about 9 to 11 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the edges look set but the centers should still be soft.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about a minute before transferring them to a cooling rack. This allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle. Once cooled, you can enjoy them right away or store them for later.
How to Serve Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Serving your Christmas Crinkle Cookies is all about presentation and enjoying the festive spirit. You can arrange them on a decorative platter, dusted with extra powdered sugar for a snowy effect. For an added touch, place some festive holiday decorations around the cookie platter.
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet gift for neighbors and friends. Pair them with a warm cup of cocoa or your favorite holiday drink for a cozy snack experience. Kids especially enjoy them, so consider putting together a cookie decorating station where they can have fun decorating with additional sprinkles or edible glitter.
Expert Tips: Christmas Crinkle Cookies
To ensure your Christmas Crinkle Cookies turn out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and other ingredients are fresh for the best taste and texture.
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Chilling the dough is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Monitor Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies. Remove them when the edges are set but the centers are still soft for that perfect chewy texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: While vanilla is classic, consider adding a dash of almond or peppermint extract for a different flavor profile.
- Store Decoratively: If you’re gifting these cookies, use clear bags tied with festive ribbons. This adds a special touch and makes your gifts look appealing.
How to Store Christmas Crinkle Cookies
To keep your Christmas Crinkle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Proper storage ensures they retain their delightful chewy texture while preventing them from becoming stale. They can last up to a week if stored correctly.
For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months, ready to be enjoyed whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Variation of Christmas Crinkle Cookies
While the classic red and green crinkle cookies are stunning, there are plenty of variations that you can try. Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate Version: Swap out the white cake mix for chocolate cake mix for a rich flavor twist. You can still add red and green food coloring to keep the festive spirit alive.
- Swirled Cookies: Instead of rolling the dough into separate red and green balls, create marbled cookies by gently mixing both colors together. This results in a beautiful swirl effect.
- Add-ins: For additional texture and flavor, consider mixing in some festive add-ins like mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or crushed nuts into the dough before chilling.
- Seasonal Spices: Add a touch of holiday warmth by mixing in cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough for a spiced version. It will enhance the aromatic experience of these cookies.
FAQ
What are Christmas Crinkle Cookies?
Christmas Crinkle Cookies are festive treats that are made using cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Their unique crinkled appearance comes from being rolled in powdered sugar before baking.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is crucial. This helps to keep its shape while baking. If the dough remains sticky, adding a little flour can also help manage the consistency.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze it for longer storage. Just roll and bake them when you’re ready.
What should I serve these cookies with?
Christmas Crinkle Cookies pair wonderfully with hot cocoa, coffee, or even festive holiday cocktails. They can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or served at parties for guests.
Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 box white cake mix This serves as the base for the cookies.
- 2 large eggs Helps bind the dough together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds flavor to the cookies.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil Provides moisture and chewiness.
Coloring and Coating
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar For rolling the cookie balls.
- Red food coloring gel Adds festive color to the dough.
- Green food coloring gel Adds festive color to the dough.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
Mixing the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until you have a smooth, thick dough.
Dividing and Coloring the Dough
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and place each half in a separate bowl.
- In one bowl, add red food coloring gel; in the other, add green. Mix until colors are vibrant.
Chilling
- Cover the bowls with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Forming the Cookies
- After chilling, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each into a ball.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Baking
- Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet with enough space in between.
- Bake for about 9 to 11 minutes. The edges should look set while the centers remain soft.
Cooling and Serving
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a minute before transferring them to a cooling rack.
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